Emirates is one of the most popular airlines in the world and its frequent flyer program, Skywards, boasts more than 27 million members worldwide.
That’s a lot of people who are earning Skywards Miles on flights and who could also be stocking up on miles during hotel stays.
The easiest way to earn Skywards miles on accommodation is via the airline’s partnership with Booking.com.
Skywards members can earn 1 mile per Euro spent on reservations made via booking.com.
To do this, you must begin your hotel search on the Emirates website, and then you’ll be redirected to booking.com to complete the reservation.
You can’t earn miles by going straight to booking.com yourself – rather you must start the search process on the Emirates website.
Emirates also has a range of direct partnerships with hotel brands that provide alternative (and potentially better) ways to earn Skywards miles.
These partners include the world’s biggest hotel brands, such as Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt and Intercontinental.
At Hyatt, for example, you can earn 500 Skywards Miles per eligible stay.
At Crowne Plaza, you can earn 2 Skywards Miles per USD spent.
With Marriott, if you’ve linked your Marriott Bonvoy and Emirates Skywards accounts, you can ‘double dip’ on points whenever you fly or stay with either company.
Don’t forget, if you have elite status with a hotel group and you want to enjoy your status benefits, you must book directly with the hotel – not via booking.com.
As always, you should compare your options as well the prices on various hotel booking websites to ensure you’re getting a good deal.
By the way, if you have family members who are also earning Skywards miles, you may be able to pool your points to be rewarded faster.
Happy travels!
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Air New Zealand has revealed more details about its revolutionary new Skynest sleep pods – the world’s first bunk beds in the sky.
This innovative new product will give economy and premium economy passengers a chance to get some much needed shut-eye on ultra long-haul flights.
Passengers will be able to book a ‘bunk bed’ style pod for four hours as an add-on to their existing ticket.
The airline hasn’t finalised the price, but it’s likely to be between $400 and $600.
Air New Zealand Skynest sleep pods
Launching in September 2024, the sleep pods will initially appear on the Auckland-New York and Auckland-Chicago routes.
The airline’s Chief Customer and Sales Officer, Leanne Geraghty, says that “North America is the perfect market for Skynest, as it has a premium segment that values comfort and sleep during long-haul travel.”
Each passenger will be limited to one session, with families travelling on the same ticket able to book a session for each person, depending on availability.
There will be six pods measuring at around 203 cm long and 58cm wide.
They’ll be located between the economy and premium economy cabins.
Skynest visualisation
Each pod will come with a mattress, pillow, sheets and blanket, as well as curtains for privacy.
Bedding will be changed for each customer, of course.
Passengers will also have access to ear plugs, a reading light and a USB outlet.
If the aircraft encounters turbulence, there’ll be a seatbelt in each pod for safety.
Air New Zealand says a four-hour session will be enough to enjoy two sleep cycles.
The lights will slowly come on at the end of each session to wake up passengers, with a gentle poke from the crew for anyone who sleeps through this.
As frequent flyers know, this isn’t the first time Air New Zealand has tried to innovate in the economy space. The airline will continue to offer its Skycouch product, which lets solo or multiple travellers book an entire row, with extendable seats and padding providing extra comfort.
Air New Zealand Skycouch
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Virgin Australia’s partnership with the rideshare app Ola is coming to an end on 28 May 2023, according to a statement released last week.
The tie-up launched in 2019 and gave Velocity Frequent Flyer members the chance to earn points on every ride.
Velocity members could earn:
2 Points per $1 spent on eligible rides to and from selected airports (plus a bonus if you’re a Silver, Gold or Platinum Velocity member)
1 Point per $1 spent on all other Ola rides
1,000 bonus Points on the first ride if you’re new to Ola.
You now have until 28 May 2023 to earn points.
Velocity states that “any members who were eligible for points made on Ola rides prior to 28 May 2023 will receive their Velocity Points in accordance with the offer Terms and Conditions.”
The 1,000 point bonus for new customers is such an easy way to boost your points balance and really worth doing.
To score the bonus, you need to:
download the Ola app and register as an Ola user, or already be a registered Ola user and have not already ridden with Ola
enter a valid Velocity membership number in the “My Profile” section of the app to ensure the Velocity and Ola accounts are linked, and
book and complete your first Ola ride before 28 May 2023.
More info is available on Velocity’s website here.
Virgin’s arch-rival Qantas continues to maintain a partnership with Uber, which lets customers earn Qantas Points on airport rides, plus 2,000 bonus points for new users.
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Taking the family on a trip with Emirates and keen to pool all those Skywards Miles you’ll earn?
Or perhaps you’ve got multiple family members earning miles ‘on the ground’ with Emirates’ commercial partners and you want to consolidate them.
By pooling all those miles into one account, you can potentially enjoy rewards faster.
The way to do this is via Emirates’ My Family program, which allows eligible family members to pool miles earned by:
flying with Emirates, flydubai and airline partners
spending with Emirates’ bank, hotel, car rental, retail and lifestyle partners
transfers from conversion partners.
Emirates Skywards has a global membership of over 27 million and all members are eligible to join ‘My Family’, including children.
Each account can have up to 8 family members including a nominated Family Head.
Immediate family members are eligible to join a pool, which includes the following:
Husband / Wife / Domestic Partner
Son / Step-Son
Daughter / Step-Daughter
Mother / Step-Mother
Mother-in-Law
Father / Step-Father
Father-in-Law
Brother / Sister
Granddaughter / Grandson
Domestic Helper (!)
The Family Head is responsible for creating the My Family account, adding members, removing members, making travel bookings, redeeming Skywards Miles and all other day-to-day account management.
Any member aged 18 or above can register as the Family Head.
A member can pool up to 100% of their miles earned and the nominated contribution of miles from each member can be adjusted at any time.
You can only pool future miles earned. Any miles you already have when you join a family pool will remain in your individual account.
Similar to individual Skywards Miles, the pooled miles will be valid in the My Family account for three years.
Tier Miles (for earning status) will continue to be credited to your individual account and cannot be contributed to My Family.
You can spend the Skywards Miles pooled in your My Family account on Classic Reward Flights and flights purchased using Cash+Miles. You can also use them for Upgrade Rewards at check‑in if you’re travelling with the Family Head.
In addition, you can donate miles to support good causes, or spend them with retail and lifestyle partners and Skywards Exclusives events.
Finally, you should also consider if you’re better off crediting miles earned with Emirates to a partner loyalty program.
For example, if you’re a Qantas Frequent Flyer member, you can opt to earn Qantas Points when flying with Emirates, whether that’s an EK flight number or a codeshare flight with a QF flight number (you’ll earn more with the latter – check with Qantas’ calculator).
Qantas doesn’t permit family pooling but you can transfer points between family members for free.
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Let’s be real, airports can be a drag. Whether it’s a long layover, a delayed flight, or just the general hustle and bustle, we could all use a little escape from the chaos.
Enter the world of airport lounges.
If you have status with an airline or fly in business or first class, you’ll likely have access to a lounge at the airport.
Sometimes, though, you’ll have a choice of several lounges – but, unfortunately, your airline won’t tell you that.
When you check in for your flight, the airline will direct you to a specific lounge, which will be one that it operates or has an arrangement with.
But not all lounges are havens of comfort and glamour – in fact, some are barely a step up from the chaos of the terminal.
So if you do have other, nicer options, it pays to know about them. It can really enhance your travel experience.
Airline partnerships and alliances
One way you can access multiple lounges is where your airline has a partnership or alliance with other carriers that includes lounge access rights for each other’s customers.
For example, Qantas is a member of the oneworld alliance and Qantas passengers in business or first class, and those with gold status or higher, can access other oneworld airline lounges, no matter which airline they are flying with.
This includes lounges operated by Cathay Pacific, British Airways, Qatar Airways, American Airlines and others.
This came in handy when I flew out of Singapore with Cathay Pacific in business class once.
First, I popped into the Cathay lounge, which is where the airline sent me, but found it very uninspiring, with boring decor and food and beverage options.
The uninspiring Cathay Pacific lounge in Singapore
So, I quickly turned around and went to check out two other oneworld airline lounges: the very pleasant British Airways lounge, which was quiet and a great spot for a drink, and then the Qantas lounge, which I liked most and where I ended up dining.
The very pleasant British Airways lounge in Singapore
Qantas lounge Singapore
Another example of an airline partnership that includes reciprocal lounge access benefits is the Qantas and Emirates tie-up.
Passengers travelling with Qantas in business or first class or those with elite status can use an Emirates lounge at many (but not all) airports, and vice versa (note that Emirates isn’t part of oneworld, rather Qantas and Emirates have a separate partnership).
I take advantage of this when flying out of Melbourne, which has a mediocre Qantas international business lounge compared to the much nicer space and superior food and drinks offered by Emirates upstairs – though the Emirates lounge isn’t always open.
The gorgeous Emirates lounge in Melbourne
On the other hand, when flying out of Sydney in Emirates first class, I opted to relax in the Qantas First Lounge instead, which is much more stylish and with better food and drinks options. It’s one of the world’s best lounges.
The stunning Qantas First Lounge Sydney (image source: Qantas)
Different airlines and alliances have different rules about lounge access, and in some airports there are exceptions to the normal rules, so you need to do your research ahead of time.
Unfortunately some airlines don’t publish lounge access rules very prominently on their websites, but you can find the information elsewhere using google.
Credit cards and lounge networks
Some premium travel credit cards offer complimentary lounge access as a perk.
For example, my American Express Platinum Card provides access to over 1,400 airport lounges in more than 140 countries, including the world’s biggest lounge network, Priority Pass.
When flying out of Bangkok with Etihad Airways in business class once, I didn’t like the third-party lounge Etihad guests were directed to, so instead enjoyed the gorgeous Oman Air business and first class lounge nearby, which is a Priority Pass lounge – so access was free with my Amex Platinum Card.
The beautiful Oman Air lounge in Bangkok
Similarly, when flying Singapore Airlines business class from Perth, instead of visiting the cramped and stuffy (with no natural light) Singapore Airlines lounge, it’s much nicer to relax in the nearby independent Aspire Lounge, where I also get free access with my Amex Platinum Card.
Aspire Lounge Perth
If your card doesn’t come with access to independent lounges, then you may still be able to enjoy them by paying a one-off fee or getting a membership. Costs vary, and whether it’s a good deal really depends on your travel plans and preferences.
The bottom line is this: since the airport lounge is an important part of the travel experience, research your lounge options ahead of time so you can enjoy the best possible start to the trip. Your airline isn’t going to do this work for you, no matter how much you paid for your ticket.
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Qantas has today officially reopened its Hong Kong International Lounge as part of a huge global lounge upgrade program announced earlier this year.
This lounge, originally launched in 2014, was among the most frequented in the Qantas network. But, like many others, it had to shut its doors during the pandemic. Now, it’s back with a fresh face after undergoing a significant makeover.
Qantas Hong Kong Lounge Entry
The new and improved lounge sprawls across a generous 2,000 square meters and now boasts a warmer colour palette and chic new furnishings, courtesy of Australian designer David Caon.
With seating for 290 customers and panoramic views of Hong Kong’s famous Sky Bridge, the lounge is all set to give travellers a comfortable and scenic space to relax.
Qantas’ Creative Director of Food, Beverage and Service, Neil Perry, has crafted a menu featuring local dishes inspired by regional flavours and ingredients.
And for those who fell in love with the Yum Cha trolley from the previous version of the lounge – it’s making a comeback! Get ready to savor some steaming hot dim sum and the much-loved char siu Chinese barbecue pork dish.
As for the drinks, a large bar area will be serving a selection of Australian wines, beer, and spirits. Fancy a cocktail? Neil Perry’s mixologist-designed concoctions like the Chi Chi – a mix of dark rum, pineapple, lime, and vanilla – will be up for grabs.
You can also stay hydrated with Qantas’ Quench hydration station that offers a variety of hot and cold beverages.
For the corporate travelers among us, the lounge’s business zone remains at hand. It is equipped with ample power and data outlets, and high-speed Wi-Fi. So, you can catch up on your emails before you take off.
If you’re more in the mood for some relaxation, freshen up in one of the 12 shower suites stocked with Li’Tya amenities.
Qantas currently operates a daily return flight between Sydney and Hong Kong. From June, Qantas will also reinstate flights between Melbourne and Hong Kong, initially operating three days per week, and then increasing to four weekly services from mid-July.
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Qantas has today launched the first-ever direct flights between Melbourne and Exmouth, on Western Australia’s Coral Coast.
Located around 1,270 kilometers north of Perth, Exmouth is best known as the gateway to the Ningaloo Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This underwater wonderland is home to more than 500 species of fish and over 300 varieties of coral, making it a veritable paradise for snorkelers and divers. Unlike the Great Barrier Reef on the eastern side of the country, the Ningaloo Reef is easily accessible from the shore.
There’s also a lot to see inland, including the Cape Range National Park, where you’ll find breathtaking canyons, hidden caves, rugged limestone ranges and lots of wildlife.
Qantas is operating two return services each week, on Thursdays and Sundays, using a Boeing 737 aircraft, with a flight time of around 5 hours.
It’s not just Victorians who can benefit from the new route by enjoying a warm winter getaway. Coral Coast residents can now also easily access the east coast and connect to Qantas’ vast domestic and international network.
Qantas has a limited number of $399 one-way special fares currently on sale, so snap them up!
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It’s no secret that the middle seat in a row of 3 on an airplane is the last place any traveller wants to be – especially if you’re flying solo.
So it was interesting to see Virgin Australia launch a novel promotion last year called the Middle Seat Lottery, which is intended to make middle seat passengers a little happier about where they ended up.
Basically, the airline turned a boarding pass for one of those dreaded middle seats into a lottery ticket.
Each week, one lucky passenger won a prize, which included such things as platinum status with the airline plus one million Velocity Points, a Caribbean cruise with premium economy airfares, and a Cairns adventure holiday package.
The promotion was due to end this week but Virgin has announced an extension until 9 July.
Some of the new prizes include return airfares to Europe with Qatar Airways, a tropical North Queensland getaway, and return flights to Vanuatu plus 250,000 Velocity Points.
It’s very easy to enter and you should definitely do so if you’re travelling in a middle seat in the coming weeks.
To enter, simply be an Australian resident and Velocity member aged 18+ who is flying in any middle seat, then enter the competition via the Virgin app within 48 hours of your flight time.
You must use the app to enter this competition.
Each time you fly in a middle seat, you’ll be eligible for an entry into that week’s draw.
